Second storm may bypass Hawaii

This image taken early Friday shows Iselle striking islands. Second storm, to the right, is expected to skirt north.

This image taken early Friday shows Iselle striking islands. Second storm, to the right, is expected to skirt north. (AP/NOAA)

Times staff reports

First storm does only minor damage to Hawaii

Travelers in Hawaii are keeping a close watch on Hurricane Julio, 900 miles away in the Pacific and expected to arrive Sunday morning. The storm has sustained winds of about 120 mph, but is forecast to weaken and skirt north of all the Hawaiian islands.

Julio follows Tropical Storm Iselle, which crossed onto the Big Island about 5 miles east of Pahala with winds at 60 mph at 2:30 a.m. Hawaii time early Friday.

Associated Press said that no deaths or major injuries were reported from Iselle. So far the extent of damage across the Big Island, one of the least populated in the state, has been limited to downed trees and some roof damage, Hawaii County Civil Defense spokesman John Drummond said.

About 21,000 homes remained without power, he said.

Tourists on Maui reported that restaurants were reopening and that heavy rains and winds had brought only light damage.

Hawaii has been directly hit by hurricanes only three times since 1950, the Associated Press reported. The last time Hawaii was in 1992, when Hurricane Iniki killed six people and destroyed more than 1,400 homes in Kauai.

Paths of Tropical Storm Iselle and Hurricane Julio

Hawaiian Airlines will waive change fees and price differences for passengers who want to switch their tickets and fly after Friday, the airline announced Tuesday. Travel must be completed on or before next Tuesday.

United Airlines allows passengers to change dates once for any day up to a year from when the ticket was issued. It will not, however, waive fare price differences that may result from the change.

American Airlines will waive fees on changes made on tickets for those who want to fly through Tuesday; travel must be completed by Tuesday. Delta Air Lines is waiving change fees for travelers who want to rebook no later than next Monday.

Travelers should consult their individual airlines for policy info and the latest changes.